quality. Sen described social inclusion as “being characterized by societal elements that wouldinclude the active participation by citizens, equality of opportunities, and basic levels of well-being.”27At the core of most definitions of social inclusion lies the concept offull participation in allaspects of life, while exclusion refers to the conditions (barriers and processes) that impedeinclusion. Participation is most significant as it denotes an active involvement in the process, notmerely having access to society’s activities, but engaging in them, and building and maintaininga social network. Participation also creates a sense of responsibility towards others, acommunity or an institution, and influences decisions or enables individuals to have access tothe decision-making processes28.In this publication, social inclusion refers to a process by which efforts are made to ensure equalopportunities for all, regardless of their background, in order to enable full and activeparticipation in all aspects of life, including civic, social, economic, and political activities, aswell as participation in decision-making processes. Social inclusion can be approached as a goal,an objective, and a process. Its process affects almost all societal activities, and should thereforebe approached from various dimensions. (EGM Paris)Exclusion conversely is a process and a state resulting in lack of access to full participation inmainstream society. The manifestations of social exclusion are often understood differently26Note:Beall originates the terms in French public policy and Rene Lenoir for popularizing the term in France, aswell as highlighting the historical disregard of les exclus or ‘the others’ by the social contract of the Frenchrepublic. (Viswanathan, L. et al, 2003:5).27Viswanathan, L. et al, 2003:528“Social Participation and Social Capital”, Raymond Breton, University of Toronto
